Turfway Park’s Mike Battaglia provides expert picks to the Northern Kentucky Tribune during the live racing meets.
FRIDAY, MARCH 1
Race 1
SPUNKY KITTEN drops to the bottom for the Ramseys and Mike Maker and looks like a winner at this level. ZAPPER has been running well and figures to be the main competition. SCOUTING is a contender.
Race 2
JEWELISA was a beaten favorite last out but a return to her best form would make her a winner in a well matched field. BRITTANY’S BEAUTY comes off a game score and should get a good trip from the inside post. She can run well again at decent odds. EYERISH INSPIRED fits with these.
Race 3
VORTICES broke poorly last out and was never a threat while making up some ground late. A better start could be all she needs to win with Machado back aboard for Jamie Grubbs. VIVA PER LEI is lightly raced and eligible to improve. LISNET comes off an even effort and has to be considered.
Race 4
STILL CHIEF showed big improvement in his second start over the Turfway Poly. He looked very sharp winning that one and can make it two in a row for the hot combo of Cipriano Contreras and Rodney Prescott. SIGHTS AND SOUNDS will be running late in a race that figures to have a fast pace and is the one to beat. INSURGENT should get a good trip from the outside post.
Race 5
MUSTANG CAT ran well at this level in his first race back after a long layoff. He was a bit overmatched last out but drops back in for a tag and should be ready for his best performance tonight. CRESCENT WARRIOR comes off three runner-up efforts at this level and is definitely the one to beat. MINE N YOURS has a shot at a price.
Race 6
LUCY’S TOWN has won two of her last three and has been in the money in five of her six races over this track. She appears to be in a good spot to pick up another score in here. BLUEBERRY SHINE is another runner from the Contreras barn. She needed her last start and figures to improve on the class drop. NYMUE’S TREASURE won her first two races wearing blinkers and gets them back tonight.
Race 7
BLUCKY BODE ran a decent race to finish second last out and should be in good position throughout from the inside post. Give him the slight edge against a field where the main contenders are all 3-year-olds. THOMAS SHELBY was a $525,000 purchase last year. He has yet to live up to his huge price tag but has been training very well lately for Wes Ward and has to be respected. MAYA SOLOMEA pressed the pace in the John Battaglia before tiring late and is a solid threat.
Race 8
DREAM PARK stands out against this field. She figures to win at very short odds. ALITTLEBOURBON looks second best. ROCKPORT DANCER has a shot.